CMHS Sports
Still Vital Page A2
Page A10
$1.50
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023
VOL. 131, NO. 51 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Clatskanie students take awards at Music Festival LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest Article
The Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) Jazz Band and Concert Choir students have returned from the Heritage Music Festival in Anaheim, California. The event April 21 through 23 was the first big trip outside Oregon for the two groups, allowing the students to showcase their prodigious talent. The band and choir were originally scheduled to perform in Vancouver, Canada in 2020, but that trip was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. This left 50 disappointed students, but no worries. “But all the music groups kept playing and singing,” CMHS Music Teacher Jaime Erwin said. “They learned their music over Zoom and continued to practice. They worked very hard to perfect their songs. They held practices and concerts outdoors. They wore masks to ensure everyone’s safety.” “It was a long time coming,” Erwin said. “Because they were freshmen when our original trip was cancelled. So, this trip was significant. It was really the first time on a plane for most of them, the first time at Disneyland and the first time in California. It was significant for all of them.” Erwin added that the overall experience in school band and choir gives the students life-long learning skills. “I keep telling them, that the music world is a small world,” she
Summer Burnard holds her award.
said. “They can make life-long friends, life-long connections, as well as learn live-long skills. Playing an instrument and vocalizing is not easy. It takes practice, dedication and selfdiscipline.” Fast forward three years. With the threat of COVID safely behind them,
Courtesy photo from Jaime Erwin
the CMHS Concert Choir and Jazz Band traveled to Anaheim, ready to perform. Both groups came back from Anaheim with awards for their performances. Both groups placed in the Silver Categories, meaning they scored above 80 out of 100. Senior Choir member Som-
Courtesy photo from Jaime Erwin
The CMHS musicians and CMHS student Sommer Burnard.
mer Burnard received the “Maestro Award” for her solo in Homeward Bound. Twelve students were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments, out of 1,000 total. Erwin said one of the highlights of the trip was the students and chaperones getting to spend most of Saturday in Disneyland.
The Clatskanie Community Choir will hold their second concert at 7 p.m. April 28, in the Donavon Wooley Performing Arts Center at CMHS. The concert is scheduled to last approximately 40 minutes. A variety of special songs will be included. The cost is free, but donations are welcome.
minor. This conviction required revocation of his police certification,” the post states. Columbia County’s Public Information Officer Mark Pacheco issued a statement on behalf of the county to address the social media comments.
abuse. The Land Development Services (LDS) Department managed the animal control operation for the county until 2010, when the function was transferred to the Sheriff’s Office.
Social media frenzy sparks county defense WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Columbia County Animal Control Officer Roger Kadell.
Country Media, Inc.
Following posts on social media about convictions against Columbia County’s Animal Control Officer from 1995, the county has released a statement to address the comments. A Facebook post in the Columbia County Transparency & Accountability (CCTA) Facebook group on April 18 detailed convictions against Animal Control Officer Roger Kadell from more than 20 years ago. “Well DPSST came through today. Roger Kadell, Columbia County Animal Control Office, currently under the supervision of Brian Pixley was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a
The statement reads in full: • About Columbia County’s Animal Control Officers Animal Control Officers commissioned by Columbia County are not certified law enforcement officers. The county authorizes these general employees to enforce animal regulations and investigate animal
• About Roger Kadell’s Employment Columbia County hired Roger Kadell as an Animal Control Officer in 2005, and he has been a valued member of our team for 18 years. Roger has been an outstanding employee who provides invaluable services to the community. His
See KADELL Page A4
State issues Paid Leave advisory for employers tions or concerns.
STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.
More than 150,000 Oregon employers were to file their quarterly combined payroll reports by May 1. This is the first time employers will include Paid Leave Oregon contributions. Almost all employers and employees in Oregon are covered by and must contribute to the Paid Leave Oregon trust fund. The only exceptions are Tribal governments and federal employees. Small employers do not contribute the employer portion but must still collect and submit employee contributions. If employers are reporting subject wages for Unemployment Insurance, then they need to report
Obituaries ................. A3 Opinions ................... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals .................... A5-6 Crossword ................ A6 Sports.........................A8
Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc.
for Paid Leave Oregon as well. Even reimbursing employers who do not pay taxes for Unemployment Insurance are responsible for pay-
ing paid leave contributions. We want employers, both large and small, to know we are here to help if they have last minute ques-
• We are offering an open house at noon Thursday, April 27, when employers can drop in and ask questions. Experts from the Oregon Employment Department will provide answers in real time about how to use Frances Online to file combined payroll for both Paid Leave Oregon and the Unemployment Insurance Program. • Registration is online. • Employers can call 503-9471488 with contributions questions. Resources for filing using Frances Online, including video demonstrations, FAQS, and guides are found online. A video showing how to file in Frances Online,
Oregon Employment Department’s online portal, is also online. Paid Leave Oregon allows employees to take paid time off for some of life’s most important moments. It covers leave for the birth or adoption of a child, for serious illness or injury, for taking care of a seriously ill family member, and for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment. Contributions to the program by large employers and all employees, regardless of employer size, started January 1. Benefits will be available to employees in September 2023. For more information, call the Oregon Employment Department at 503-947-1488.
Vote for Greg Pettit - Port of Columbia County We need Common Sense Solutions
It's time to STOP wasting our tax dollars $75 million spent with little return on Port Westward projects We can have both family wage jobs and livability!
Paid for by Committee to Elect Gregory Pettit
EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS
“Many People talk about creating good paying Jobs I’ve done it.”
PaulLangnerforport.com
Paid for by Paul Langner for Port | PAC ID 22706